A New Birthday Giving Tradition

by Melissa Stepan

My son is now 1 year old, but it still feels like yesterday when I held him in my arms hoping that he grows up to be healthy, happy and, most of all, kind.

Soon after he was born, I began finding myself socializing with lots of new parents. It wasn't long after that when Birthday invites started coming, too. Wow, how that whole process begins quite early.

I experienced the same thing at every Birthday I went to. Balloons attached to every chair, friends and family eating up a storm and presents piled high to the ceiling. It amazed me that a child who can barely walk, talk or even hold their own cup was now about to be presented with more gifts then he or she will ever have time to play with.

As I sat at these parties, I couldn't help but think of how lucky these kids are. They are surrounded by family, friends and truly live a life of luxury no matter how you slice it. I am not talking about wealth necessarily – it's more the little things. The important things, like a bed to sleep in, plenty of food to eat or even physical luxury like good eyesight, good hearing and just simply good health.

It was then I began to realize that there are too many babies, children, and teens out there who do not have these things. I knew at that moment that as a parent it was my responsibility to teach my child the importance of giving, especially to those less fortunate. I wanted him to grow up really understanding the different kind of lives people live. I want him to appreciate the love, laughter and life he has been given. Not that I am naive to think that a baby could truly comprehend the world around him as I do, but it's never too early to try.

For my son's 1st birthday, my husband and I decided that we would donate gifts to the Los Angeles Children Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases. However, before you label me as the mean Mom who didn't give her son presents on his birthday, please know that we actually stated on his invitation that "either in addition to" or "in replace of a traditional Birthday gift", that a special something be donated to a child less fortunate.

It amazed me how everyone reacted. They thought it was wonderful, brilliant and some even felt ashamed that they hadn't participated in something like this as well. IT'S NOT TOO LATE. For those of you reading this article, I encourage you to make it your new birthday tradition and please pass the word. It's simple and easy and something your child will appreciate as he or she gets older. They will be so happy that they were able to give at such an early age. It will only be a matter of time until they begin to discover the world and lives around them and hopefully become sensitive, appreciative and a little more giving because of it.

WC: ;